Are you following a ketogenic or low-carb diet? If so, it is quite difficult to find healthy snacks. Thanks to the popularity of the ketogenic diet, there is a large selection of keto snacks. Keto bars are the ideal keto snack for on the go, at work or at school. Unfortunately, not all keto bars are equally healthy and/or sustainable!
Your body deserves only the best. In this post, I'll tell you what to look for when buying keto bars. That way, you'll be sure to make the right choices.
What to look out for
The right food macros
First, of course, you pay attention to the right ratio of fats, proteins and carbohydrates (macros). That means a high proportion of fats, a moderate amount of protein, and few carbs. Most keto bars get this right.
The big issue is in the ingredients.
Healthy and sustainable ingredients
The ingredients in your keto bar are at least as important as the macros. And many keto bars contain unhealthy or allergenic ingredients. Sustainability of the ingredients used is also a concern.
Pay attention to the following ingredients:
Palm Oil
Palm oil is an inexpensive ingredient. Unfortunately, palm oil (palmitic acid) can carry toxins from the gut, into the body and cause brain fog.
In addition, palm plantations are responsible for destruction of the tropical rainforest.
Soy (lecithin and protein)
Soy is another cheap ingredient. Soy lecithin is used as an emulsifier that provides cohesion to the bar. Soy protein is used to fill out the protein macro.
80% of the world's soy is unfortunately genetically modified. Genetic modification (GM) is a technique that changes the characteristics of plants. This makes it more resistant to pesticides.
Many pesticides are used in soybean cultivation. A common pesticide is Roundup which contains a lot of glyphosate. Soy can therefore contain a large amount of glyphosate.
Soy is also an allergen and therefore not suitable for everyone.
Artificial sweeteners such as Sucralose, Aspartame or Saccharin
It is not clear whether artificial sweeteners are good or bad for your health. There are many conflicting opinions in the literature.
It's pretty simple, if you avoid them, you don't have to worry about them either.
Allergens such as nuts, milk powder and soy
It is better to avoid these if you are sensitive to them.
Animal products such as whey or collagen
Whey is a residual product from milk. Collagen comes from skin and bones of animals. Something to watch out for if you are vegan or vegetarian, or want to eat less animal products.
Bonus checks
Weight
When comparing bars by price, also pay attention to the weight. Cheaper bars are often lighter.
Texture
Many Keto bars have a greasy exterior, especially in a warm environment. The bars do not hold together well and crumble quickly. Unfortunately, this is hard to check beforehand and you only find out after you buy.
Is there a keto bar we recommend?
Yes, the NoordCode Pure Keto Bars score extremely well on all criteria. They have a delicious chocolate/almond flavour. Weighing 50gr, they are a fine "filling" snack.
About NoordCode
NoordCode is a fast growing company. NoordCode develops products with only natural ingredients for people who want the best for their body. Their products are sourced from Europe, contain no fillers or other unnecessary additives.
Macros
The calories in the NoordCode Pure Keto Bars are distributed as follows: 72% healthy fats, 17% protein and 9% carbohydrates. In grams, that's per bar: 16gr of healthy fats, 8.5gr of protein and net 4.5gr of carbs. This means that the bar fits perfectly in a ketogenic or low carb diet.
Ingredients
These keto bars contain only non-GMO ingredients. They are also lactose and gluten free.
Healthy fats
Each bar contains 16 grams of fat, including 5 grams of coconut MCTs (medium chain triglycerides). MCTs are fats that your body quickly converts to energy. The different types of MCTs are indicated by a C and a number (C6 through C12). The MCTs used by NoordCode contain only C8 and C10. In addition, the bars contain cocoa butter.
Proteins
Each bar contains 8.5gr of protein derived from rice and peas.
Carbohydrates
Each bar contains net 4.5gr of carbohydrates and therefore fits in a low-carb, ketogenic diet.
Sweeteners
Europe allows only a limited number of natural, low-carb sweeteners. NoordCode has chosen a blend of Erythritol and Stevia.
Due to the limited amount of Stevia in combination with Erythritol, you do not taste the Stevia. Even if you are sensitive to it! The amount of Erythritol is limited enough to not cause intestinal discomfort.
Erythritol and Stevia both have very low glycemic scores. That is, they have little to no effect on your blood sugar.
Sunflower lecithin
Lecithin is a necessary ingredient to get a good consistency in the bars. NoordCode uses non-GMO sunflower lecithin.
Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
All ingredients are of plant origin. The Pure Keto Bars are therefore suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Allergens
Only if you have a nut allergy, it is better to skip these bars!
Texture
The NoordCode Pure Keto Bar has a firm, non-greasy texture. Despite the firm bite, you can easily chew the bar. The almonds and cacao pieces give a crunchy/crispy mouthfeel.
Want to try?
Interested in trying the NoordCode Pure Keto Bars? Then order an individual bar or get the discounted box of 12 bars.
